Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Things I'm thankful for: Psalm 103:9-10

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him (Psalm 103:9-10)

I think there are moments in every believer's life when there is the temptation to think that some event or circumstance is punishment from God. It happened to me just yesterday. A situation I thought was certain suddenly didn't look that way and immediately, I thought of all the reasons why it was right of God to deny a "favorable" outcome or withhold this thing from me. That might not sound all that sinful on the surface. It might sound like I'm rightfully acknowledging God's sovereignty and right to say "no" to things. But in my heart, I was believing God was against me...that he was dealing with me according to my sins. This is a lie. Because of Christ, I will never know what it is like to be on the receiving end of God's wrath. Because of Christ I can know that all things work together for my good and God's glory. Because of Christ, I can know that whatever my circumstances, God remembers me and is for me and is showing His steadfast love toward me. Even when or if He says "no" to something I want very badly. His no is not punishment but protection, not and expression of his unhappiness with me but an expression of His love and care, not a withholding of His best but of something that might stand in the way of His best.

He does not deal with us according to our sins...What a promise!What a comfort!